The Synod of the Guyana Presbyterian Church over the weekend adopted a Sexual Misconduct policy, which it hopes will help fight against the scourge of sexual violence here. The Anglican and Roman Catholic churches have been rocked by sexual misconduct scandals over the years. The Presbyterian Church met from October 16th to 17th, 2015 at the Burns Memorial Presbyterian Church, Queenstown, Georgetown, under the theme: Come Holy Spirit Transform and Renew us.” The church is celebrating 130 years of ministry in Guyana, as it continues to strive to witness and to be an agent of transformation and renewal.
In a release, the church said the Synod passed a Sexual Misconduct Policy denouncing all acts of sexual misconduct as a misuse of authority and power that breaches Christian ethical principles. The policy was developed as a guideline for the church community and makes reference to the Sexual Offences Act (2010) to which it is obligated to adhere to, as it seeks to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all people, especially the vulnerable. In the release, the body stated that sexual misconduct and all forms of abusive behaviour are antithetical to the Gospel, causing immense spiritual, psychological, and physical suffering to individuals, families and communities. “The Policy will equip the church to better deal with these issues, including preventing abuse and abusive behavior, especially within the church.”
In her sermon at the Opening Worship, the moderator, Rev. Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth spoke of the harsh realities of the times “in which we live, where many people cry out from under the heavy burdens of poverty, unemployment, violence, suicide, discrimination and disharmony, and where creation groans from continuous degradation.” She urged the church to stand firm for what is just and right, and to “…not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.’
The church said it is out to be more proactive in the society, and to address issues which cause pain and suffering for many people; in particular, suicide will be a key focus.